Continuous Utilization of Sakai Learning Management System (LMS) By Graduate Students At The University Of Ghana

ABSTRACT

The continuous utilization of the SAKAI Learning Management System (LMS) by graduate students may provide rich opportunities for them to effectively interact with their lecturers and to receive immediate feedback from them on their online assignments, quizzes among others. On the other hand, non-continuous utilization of the platform may deprive graduate students from enjoying the benefits the system may offer for their academic work. This study sought to investigate the continuous and effective utilization of the SAKAI Learning Management System (LMS) by graduate students at the University of Ghana. The study used a cross-sectional survey design. By using the Multi-Stage sampling technique, a sample of 190 graduate students affiliated to the Colleges of Health Sciences, Humanities and Education were selected for the study from the target population. The questionnaire was the main research instrument used for the study with a Cronbach’s Alpha value of r = 0.83. Six (6) research questions and six (6) research objectives were used and all the hypotheses stated were tested using Chi-Square, Independent T-test, OneWay Analysis of Variance, the Structural Equation Model (SEM) at the 0.05 two-tailed significance level. The findings of the study indicated that graduate students had low knowledge on the features of the SAKAI LMS (M=1.49, SD=0.56) and as a result barely used them for their academic work (M=3.32, SD=1.26). The study found that graduate students had positive attitudes towards the SAKAI LMS (M=3.67, SD=1.77) and thus were greatly motivated to continuously use the system for their research and academic courses (M=2.73, SD=1.67). vii The study also found that graduate students had several challenges when using the SAKAI LMS due to poor internet connectivity, lack of adequate computer skills among others (M=4.22, SD=2.77). Again, the study found that Performance Expectancy (β = 0.086, p < .05) and Facilitating Conditions (β = 0.906, p < 0.05) had a significant influence on individual decision to use the SAKAI LMS. Furthermore, the study found that individual decision had a significant influence on the continuous utilization of the SAKAI LMS. The study concluded that graduate students at the University of Ghana barely used the SAKAI LMS as a result of the numerous challenges and limited knowledge of its significant features but were momentously motivated to continuously use it as they had positive attitudes. Besides, continuous usage of the platform was at the mercy of Performance Expectancy and Facilitating Conditions such as the provision of laptops, computers, smartphones, tablets and other electronic resources to access online information at all times. The study recommends the continuous utilization of the Learning Management System (LMS) in higher education to facilitate lifelong learning and human resource development. In addition, technology-mediated learning should be part of the university curriculum for effective teaching, learning and research.